Season Pass Process

I purchased my season pass for Great Adventure about 2 weeks ago. I was wondering if anybody knows how the process goes at Great Adventure because I bought my pass at Pathmark. When I arrive, I'm sure you use it to get in one time and then go to processing but is there only certain times or days that you must do this and is there eventually a time that you are screwed. Also, I couldn't buy the parking permit at Pathmark. Does this mean that I have to pay to park the first time and then purchase the permit? I also recall hearing somewhere that the parking permit was $25 and $5 more for an additional pass but now their website says that it is $30 and $40 for two. I think I missed out on the early bird special because of not buying the pass through SF. Am I correct on that? I'm hoping to go all day on Thursday but was hoping to have somewhat of a clue as to how this all works before I get there. Thanks in advance for any insight you can provide.